Kung-Fu Master NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Beat 'em Up / Fighting

Kung-Fu Master

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1985 (originally 1984)
GenreBeat 'em Up, Fighting
DeveloperNintendo
PublisherNintendo
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 6

Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985, Kung-Fu Master is a beat 'em up developed by Nintendo. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Kung Fu. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1984. It blends beat 'em up and fighting elements.

It belongs to the NES's earliest wave of games. Other notable NES releases from 1985 include Super Mario Bros., Excitebike and Ice Climber. Among the 20 NES beat 'em ups in our database, it ranks #8 by legacy score.

Nintendo also made Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario Bros. 2 for the NES.

Kung-Fu Master supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you have a friend to play against

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want depth and variety over simple, satisfying brawling

What playing Kung-Fu Master is like

Beat 'em ups send you down scrolling streets fighting waves of thugs with punches, kicks, throws and grabbed weapons. Most can be finished in a single sitting and shine with a second player.

Tip for newcomers: Avoid getting surrounded: keep enemies on one side of you and save your special attacks for crowds. Bring a friend if the game supports co-op.

Kung-Fu Master gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Kung-Fu Master cheats & codes

44 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:

Both Players Have Infinite LivesSUAAXA
Both Players Have 1 LifePEZELG
Both Players Have 9 LivesPEZELK
Player 1 Start At Last Level ReachedGZLATG
Player 2 Start At Last Level ReachedGZLEPG
Give Player 2 An AdvantageSEZEGG

See all Kung-Fu Master cheats

Kung-Fu Master walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Kung-Fu Master.

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Playing NES games today

NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

Kung-Fu Master FAQ

When did Kung-Fu Master come out on the NES?

Kung-Fu Master was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985; the original game dates back to 1984.

Who made Kung-Fu Master?

It was developed by Nintendo.

Is Kung-Fu Master multiplayer?

Yes. Kung-Fu Master supports up to 2 players.

How long does Kung-Fu Master take to play?

As a beat 'em up, Kung-Fu Master typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Kung-Fu Master on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you